And much like last year, I find this latest spanking at the hands of USC humiliating as a Razorback fan.

I watched the game, and I'm well aware it wasn't as bad as it looked. The Hogs basically handed the Trojans most of their points by turning the ball over five times.

But most will look no further than 50-14 and assume the Razorbacks stink. And who knows? Maybe they do.

Still, eternal optimist that I am, I'm about to do some serious looking on the bright side.

If nothing else, this loss has apparently shocked Arkansas coach Houston Nutt into radical action -- the starting of a freshman at quarterback.

Or maybe that was the plan all along (I'm beginning to wonder).

Regardless, Mitch Mustain at QB is a good thing. He's the best quarterback on campus, and there's really nothing to be gained by sitting him at this point.

Besides, the Razorback offense can only get better from here. Every weakness, every deficiency was laid bare for all to see. The coaches know exactly what needs fixing.

It's important to keep in mind there are still 11 games to play. The goal remains the same for any 11-game season: Win six and get to a bowl.

And while I'd love for the Hogs to be 1-0 right now, I'd almost rather see them play a good team and lose, particularly in a non-conference matchup.

Your first-game mistakes won't cost you as much against directional Louisiana, but directional Louisiana isn't going to show you what you need to work on.

Then again, beating up on a cupcake builds confidence, which is what the Razorback offense needs most right now. Naming Mustain the starter will help, as will turning right around and playing Utah State.

The Aggies were manhandled by Wyoming this past weekend. USC they ain't.

I honestly believe the offense will be OK sooner rather than later. I saw flashes of it Saturday. I'm actually more concerned about the defense.

Reggie Herring's unit showed plenty of heart against USC, but 70 points is an awful lot of motivation. Can the Hogs keep it up throughout the season?

If so, Arkansas should be fine. The Hogs should be favored in at least four games, and four others are winnable.

Of the remaining three -- Auburn, Tennessee and LSU -- two are at home.

Having said all that, I think we need to reserve judgment on these 2006 Razorbacks. One game does not a season make.

Fans began calling for Nutt's head -- again -- before the clock ticked down to zero Saturday, and it's not helping matters. Be quiet and let the man do his job.

I've publicly supported Nutt these past two years, and I still think he's a good coach. I don't want to see him fired.

I think coaches should be supported through these inevitable lean years. The "win now and win always" mentality that pervades college football has gotten completely out of hand.

You've got Tennessee's Phillip Fulmer and Miami's Larry Coker, coaches with national championships to their credit, on the hot seat.